06/12/2026
🫶💪🇺🇸Women Veterans Recognition Day 🇺🇸
Many people know me as a Realtor. Some know me as a mom. Others know me through Homes for Heroes, community events, or local business. But before all of that, I was a Sailor.
One question I’ve been asked many times is:
“Why did you enlist?”
Or…
“Why did you pause college instead of pursuing a commission as an officer?”
The truth is, the answer isn’t that simple.
I had recently experienced several significant losses, including the loss of my father. Like many young adults, I found myself searching for direction. I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to major in, what path I wanted to take, or who I wanted to become.
So I made a decision that changed my life forever.
I enlisted.
Part of me wanted to serve. Part of me wanted adventure. Freedom. Serve my country.. But if I’m being completely honest, a big part of me was simply curious.
I had never left South Texas.
I wanted to see what was out there.
I wanted to meet people from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different walks of life.
I wanted to know how I would compare. How I would perform. Whether I could rise to the challenge.
What I discovered was something much bigger than I expected.
I learned that I was incredibly fortunate to have been raised by an amazingly gifted, hardworking, and wholesome family.
I learned that South Texas is a place unlike any other.
And I learned that I was capable of far more than I had ever imagined.
Over the next 10 years, the Navy allowed me to travel the world, serve alongside incredible people, and experience things that shaped me into the woman I am today.
The lessons I learned about leadership, resilience, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance didn’t stay in the military. They followed me into every chapter that came after.
One of the biggest transitions came when I left the Navy and entered real estate.
For 10 years, I wore a uniform. Outside of work, it was mostly workout clothes, jeans, and mom life. Then suddenly I found myself in a profession where networking events and happy hours were part of building relationships.
I still remember being invited to one of my first happy hours. I felt guilty going. My husband and I had both worked full days, and as soon as he got home, I was heading back out the door. Not exactly a dramatic “gotta go, bye!” moment, but I’m sure it may have felt that way at times while we were raising babies and juggling careers.
Then came the question: What was I supposed to wear?
I didn’t own professional networking clothes. I dug through my closet and found outfits from before the Navy, before three kids, and more than seven years old. Somehow, they still fit!
And honestly, I’m pretty proud of that. After three pregnancies, I gained a cumulative total of about 180 pounds and ultimately lost 190 pounds once I was done having children. By the time I transitioned into real estate, I was in the best shape of my life. That took determination, discipline, and consistency—qualities the Navy helped strengthen in me. These are struggles that only women understand from maintaining physical standards while juggling motherhood.
Adjusting wasn’t easy. I missed my uniforms. I even felt guilty shopping for work clothes. 😜
But over time, I discovered something unexpected: I love fashion and styling outfits. Today, one of my favorite things is finding inexpensive pieces and getting creative with them. It has become a fun way to express myself after spending a decade in uniform.
The Navy taught me that appearance, performance, fitness, and leadership all matter. Those standards challenged me and helped shape who I am today.
They’ve helped me navigate motherhood, business ownership, community leadership, and a career helping families make some of the biggest decisions of their lives.
I’m incredibly proud of my journey, and I owe so much to the Navy for showing me the world, helping cover my education, and developing skills that I now use to serve others.
Today, I have the privilege of honoring more heroes through real estate and the Homes for Heroes program.
That feels like synergy. 🫶🙏🇺🇸
Today, on Women Veterans Recognition Day, I celebrate the women who had the courage to raise their right hand and answer the call to serve.
Your service matters.
Your sacrifices matter.
And your stories deserve to be told.
⚓ Proud U.S. Navy Veteran
🏡 Managing Broker
❤️ Homes for Heroes Affiliate
The uniform may come off, but the lessons stay with you forever.
